Context:
Health Ministry announces new treatment regimen for leprosy known as Multidrug Therapy (MDT).
Leprosy Disease:
- A chronic infectious disease
- A Neglected Tropical Disease (occur in more than 120 countries)
- Caused by – bacterium
- Transmission –
- Contact with untreated cases via droplets from the nose and mouth
- Affects the skin and peripheral nerves
- Left untreated, makes permanent disabilities
- Global occurrence – majority cases from South-East Asia
- Occurrence in India – Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar.
- Treatment –
- Curable with multidrug therapy (MDT)
- 3 drugs used – Dapsone, Rifampicin, Clofazimine.
- Government Initiatives –
- National Leprosy Eradication Programme
- SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign
- World Leprosy Day 2024 theme – “Beat Leprosy”
National Leprosy Eradication Programme:
- Centrally sponsored scheme
- Under the umbrella of National Health Mission (NHM).
- Follows decentralized health planning and funds sent to the states through State Health Societies.
- Main focus – Quality of services and sustainability
- Removal of stigma and discrimination is a part of the strategy.
SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign
- Nationwide campaign
- Aim – to increase awareness and address the stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy.
Read more about: Neglected Tropical Diseases
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following diseases
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Smallpox has been eradicated by 1977 but diphtheria and chickenpox cases are still present.
